Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan ballot campaign will end as deal is reached

LANSING — Today, Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan announced an agreement with Michigan’s energy companies that will make the state a leader in clean energy. Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan joined DTE Energy and Consumers Energy in announcing the energy companies will target a goal of at least 50 percent clean energy by 2030, to be achieved through a combination of investments in at least 25 percent renewable energy, and the remaining through energy efficiency. The agreement will represent an increase in the use of clean energy in Michigan. As a result of the breakthrough agreement, Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan will not submit the more than 350,000 signatures they have collected in support of placing a clean energy initiative on the ballot.

“Michigan wants clean energy and we saw support across the state from the moment we started this campaign,” said John Freeman, the campaign manager for Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan. “We look forward to working with Michigan’s energy companies and leaders across the state to continue to push for more progress on this issue and working for a healthy, prosperous future for Michigan families."

Although current state law requires 15 percent renewable energy by 2021, both DTE and Consumers have agreed to reach at least 25 percent renewable energy usage by 2030. DTE and Consumers have also both agreed to include a description of how they will reach the at least 50 percent clean energy goal by 2030 in their respective Integrated Resource Plans submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission every 5 years.

“The agreement between Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan and DTE Energy and Consumers Energy is a win for the people of Michigan,” said Tom Steyer, president and founder of NextGen America. “Every American deserves the right to clean air and water. With this agreement, Michigan has become a national example of how consumers, public interest advocates and energy companies can work together to find real solutions to combat climate change. I’m pleased DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson and Consumers Energy CEO Patti Poppe recognize the urgent need -- and public desire -- to transition to clean energy. There is nothing more important than protecting the air we breathe and water we drink -- and leaving a healthy future for our children and grandchildren.”